In late August through September, spawning Bull Trout seek out the cold water refuge of the upper Lostine River watershed to construct their redds and spawn. As summer water temperatures increase, they continually seek colder water higher in watershed. They are an important indicator species relative to climate change as their sensitivity to increasing water temperatures puts them at risk. Protecting freshwater habitat is crucial to the survival of native Bull Trout and many other species that depend on cold water habitats to complete their life cycle.